US Travel Advisory to Diplomats in Turkey: Maintain Low Profile

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory to U.S. government personnel in Turkey, urging them to maintain a low profile and avoid travel, particularly in southeastern Turkey.

The announcement states that “due to regional developments, U.S. government personnel in Turkey have been advised to maintain a low profile and have been instructed to avoid personal travel, especially in the Adana Consular District, which covers 22 provinces in southeastern Turkey.”

The U.S. State Department notes that “negative perceptions of U.S. foreign policy may trigger actions against U.S. or Western interests in Turkey.”

“In the past, such activities have included demonstrations, calls for boycotts of American businesses, anti-American rhetoric, and graffiti. Large gatherings can lead to a heavy police presence, road closures, and traffic problems. Even peaceful gatherings can quickly spiral out of control and turn violent,” the U.S. State Department said.